The Circleville Pumpkin Show is Ohio's largest pumpkin festival, running continuously since 1903, and it's an easy day trip from Hocking Hills. About 45 minutes northwest on US Route 23, it draws over 400,000 visitors across four days. Free admission, nine city blocks of vendors, and more pumpkin-flavored food than you knew existed.

2026 Dates and Schedule

October 21–24, 2026 (Wednesday through Saturday — always the third Wednesday through Saturday of October). The show runs all day, with parades and entertainment scheduled throughout. Evening hours feature amusement rides and live music. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In happens early on the first day — past winners have exceeded 1,900 pounds.

Getting There from Hocking Hills

From Logan, take US Route 33 west to US Route 23 north, then south into Circleville. Total drive is about 45–50 minutes depending on your cabin location. From the southern Hocking Hills (Rockbridge, South Bloomingville), add 10–15 minutes.

The show takes over downtown Circleville — more than 12 blocks are closed to traffic. You will not be parking downtown. Shuttle services run from outlying parking lots, typically $5 per carload round trip. The AMVETS lot at 818 Tarlton Road (off US 23 south) operates Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 10:30 PM. Ohio Christian University at 1476 Lancaster Pike offers shuttle service starting at noon on Wednesday.

What to Expect

This is not a small craft fair. The Pumpkin Show covers nine-plus city blocks with over 400 food booths, retail vendors, craft exhibits, and entertainment stages. The signature draws are the giant pumpkins (weighed in on Main Street), the pumpkin food (described below), and the parades — including the Parade of Bands, Baby Parade, and Pet Parade.

The atmosphere is old-fashioned, unpretentious Midwest festival. Expect large crowds, especially Thursday through Saturday. Plan to spend 3–5 hours. Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be walking and standing on pavement the entire time.

Pumpkin Food Guide

The real draw for most visitors. Pumpkin donuts are the most famous item — fresh, warm, and available at multiple booths. Beyond that: pumpkin fudge, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cream puffs, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin burgers, pumpkin chili, pumpkin pizza, and pumpkin waffles. Over 20,000 pumpkin pies are sold during the four-day event. Come hungry.

Combining with Hocking Hills

The Pumpkin Show falls during peak foliage week in Hocking Hills (October 21–24 aligns almost perfectly with the late-peak window). A strong itinerary: morning hike in the Hocking Hills when trails are quiet, drive to Circleville for the afternoon and evening, return to your cabin. Or reverse it — start at the Pumpkin Show early, then catch sunset at a trailhead on the way back.